Allergies & Allergic Rhinitis

Overview of Allergies & Allergic Rhinitis

A person has an allergy when their body overreacts to things that don’t cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. The body’s overreaction to the allergen is what causes the actual symptoms of allergies. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is usually caused by pollens from grasses, trees, weeds. Symptoms typically occur during spring, summer or fall. Year-round allergies can be caused by molds, animal dander or house dust.

Signs & Symptoms

Typical symptoms of allergies can include the following:

Runny nose

Watery eyes

Itchy nose & eyes

Sneezing

Stuffy nose

Ear fullness and popping

Hives

Trouble breathing

Prevention

It is usually not possible to prevent the development of an allergy in a person with a susceptibility to develop certain allergies. However, there are some specific suggestions for minimizing excess exposure to certain allergens, as well as avoiding things that can make allergy symptoms worse: environmental pollutants, irritating fumes such as tobacco smoke or wood smoke, wind, aerosol sprays.

Treatment

People with allergies learn how to control their symptoms with the use of certain medications such as over the counter or prescription antihistamines, Cromolyn, nasal steroid sprays, decongestants or eye drops. If these treatments fail, possibly identifying one’s allergen sensitivities through special allergy tests can be done and sometimes allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be another option.

Dedicated to a Healthy Student Body

The mission of Student Health and Counseling Services is to enhance the physical and mental health of students in order to help them achieve academic success, personal development and lifelong wellness by providing an integrated program of quality, accessible, cost sensitive and confidential healthcare services, tailored to their unique and diverse needs and to assist the University community, through consultation and education, to develop a healthy campus environment consistent with UC Davis "Principles of Community".